Learn Enduring, Diverse, and Disruptive: Battling email attacks with Barracuda

Email is a prime target for cybercriminals, using sophisticated tactics to bypass security. Exploiting trust within organisations, attackers design convincing schemes that are hard to detect.

The Growing Impact of Email Attacks

A Barracuda survey revealed that 75% of organisations experienced successful email attacks last year, leading to downtime, data theft, and reputational harm. Business disruptions result in financial losses and regulatory penalties. Moreover, stolen data can erode customer trust and damage an organisation’s long-term image.

Modern attacks rely on subtlety and manipulation. Unlike traditional phishing attempts, today’s tactics use social engineering or compromised accounts to impersonate trusted executives, partners, or vendors. These strategies often evade detection until significant damage is done.

Common Email Threats

• Business Email Compromise (BEC): Impersonating executives to deceive employees into transferring money or sharing sensitive data.
• Account Takeover (ATO): Hijacking email accounts to launch internal attacks or further compromises.
• Credential Harvesting: Using fake login pages to steal user passwords and access accounts.

These evolving threats outpace basic spam filters, requiring advanced defences to mitigate risks effectively.

Strengthening Defenses Against Email Attacks

Employee Training and Awareness

Human error is one of the greatest vulnerabilities in email security. Regular training helps employees recognise suspicious emails and verify unexpected requests. Training should focus on identifying subtle discrepancies, such as misspelt domains or unusual requests.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection by requiring additional verification beyond passwords. Together, training and MFA create a more resilient defence against social engineering attacks.

Leveraging Advanced Security Tools

Technology is a critical component of email protection. Tools like Barracuda’s Email Threat Scanner uncover hidden threats, including BEC, phishing, and ATO attempts. Operating seamlessly within Microsoft 365 environments, the scanner identifies vulnerabilities without affecting performance. Organisations can use these insights to proactively strengthen their defences.

Millgate: Your Partner in Email Security

Millgate partners with Barracuda to provide tailored email security solutions. From initial risk assessments to implementing comprehensive protection strategies, Millgate ensures organisations are equipped to combat evolving threats. With Barracuda’s cutting-edge tools and Millgate’s expertise, businesses gain the confidence to safeguard their email systems and sensitive data.

Take the Next Step

Email attacks are a persistent challenge, but they don’t have to succeed. Equip your organisation with the tools and knowledge to mitigate risks effectively. Start by scanning your Microsoft 365 environment today with Barracuda’s free and secure Email Threat Scanner, and contact Millgate to strengthen your email defences and secure your business for the future.